Research Methodology

COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Scientific Research and Cybersecurity
- The role and importance of scientific research.
- Research approaches in the natural and technological sciences.
- Research as a driver of innovation in Cybersecurity.
- The life cycle of a research project.
Research Paradigms and Methodological Approaches
- Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies.
- Research strategies (experimental, descriptive, exploratory).
- Case studies of research in Cybersecurity.
Defining the Research Problem and Formulating Hypotheses
- Identifying research gaps and challenges.
- Formulating research questions, objectives, and hypotheses.
- Developing a conceptual framework for research in Cybersecurity.
Literature Review and Analysis
- Techniques for searching scientific literature.
- Use of databases (IEEE Xplore, Scopus, ACM DL).
- Critical evaluation and synthesis of information.
Management and Organization of References
- Use of reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley).
- Creation and standardization of bibliographic references (IEEE, APA).
- Development of an annotated bibliography.
Research Study Design
- Research design, variables, and sampling.
- Types of studies: experimental, comparative, case studies.
- Methodological design in Cybersecurity research.
Data Collection and Research Tools
- Data collection methods (logs, surveys, simulations).
- Measurement and data storage tools.
- Reliability and validity in data collection.
Data Analysis and Statistical Processing
- Basic statistical methods.
- Use of tools (SPSS, R, Python).
- Interpretation of results.
Qualitative Methods and Content Analysis
- Qualitative analysis techniques (thematic, content analysis).
- Tools for qualitative analysis (NVivo).
- Applications to socio-technical issues in Cybersecurity.
Research Ethics and Academic Integrity
- Ethical issues in Cybersecurity research.
- GDPR, data management, anonymity, and informed consent.
- Intellectual property rights and avoidance of plagiarism.
Scientific Writing and Presentation of Research Results
- Structure of a scientific paper.
- Writing techniques and academic style.
- Creation of figures, tables, and appendices.
Presentation and Defense of Research Work
- Preparation of a scientific presentation.
- Oral defense techniques.
- Use of visual aids (PowerPoint, LaTeX, Prezi).
Development of a Research Proposal
- Composition of a complete research proposal.
- Presentation and evaluation by supervisors.
- Preparation for the research thesis.

The Master of Science Programme in "Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies and Governance by Research" was established as part of the European EU-iNSPIRE project (INnovative multi-diSciPlinary Industry-focused cybersecurity education for upskilling and ReskIlling the EU workforcE), which began in January 2025, has a duration of four (4) years and is co-funded by the European Union through the DIGITAL-2023-SKILLS-05 program (Contract No. 101190054).